Man Crashes Into Utility Pole, Shoves Westlake Firefighter

WESTLAKE, OH - During last Wednesday's surge of extreme wind, more than 150,000 FirstEnergy customers were without power at one point. For residents in Westlake, their power may have flickered off again on March 11 after a North Olmsted man drove into a utility pole on Walter Road.

The 65-year-old man collided with the pole on Walter near Westwood Road. Police were called to the scene for reports of the crash. When they located the driver, they contacted Westlake Fire who showed up shortly thereafter.

While EMS and other emergency personnel treated the man, it was determined that he was intoxicated. A firefighter tried to secure the man to a gurney and the 65-year-old responded in the typical way intoxicated people do, by shoving the firefighter.

He was eventually subdued and transported to St. John Medical Center. Of course, he had to be restrained at the hospital as well, police say.

Police reports from the scene say the man's speech was slow and deliberate and frequently confusing. The man also smelled of alcohol, the report says.

The man's truck was towed from the scene.

A urine sample was taken from the man and will be analyzed by the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner. Until the results are returned, the man is currently cited for OVI and Failure to Control.

Photos from Westlake PD